This month, Channel Islands-born artist Anita Le Sech is busy setting up a rental service for private and commercial customers who admire her vibrant, evocative paintings. Her work is being displayed in an important exhibition and she has recently moved into, and redecorated, a flat in a 19th Century building in Nice.
“It all sounds pretty glamorous, but it has been tough and still is.“she says. “I’ve lived here for over 10 years now and am still learning. You need a cool head and perseverance to build a successful business here, especially if you want to succeed as an artist. After all, this is the land of Cézanne, Matisse and Renoir!“
Anita spent her childhood in Jersey. “Dad was an Islander and mum was from Brittany,” she says.
“We were surrounded by stunning countryside and the ever-changing sea. I learned about French music, food and art from Mum – although we didn’t visit France often. I never dreamed that I would become an artist myself or live here.”
As a teenager, Anita was keen to see the world. After college, she travelled extensively for 18 months, visiting Thailand, Malaysia, the USA and spending a year in Australia. On her return, she headed for London, living there for 17 years.
“l worked hard, and was able to buy a Victorian house in Hither Green, South London.“ she says. “It had high ceilings and blank walls so I thought I would purchase some large paintings.“
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A fan of the French impressionists and American abstract artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner, she checked out local galleries. “Cost was a huge factor.” she says. “I decided to be brave, took a few art lessons, bought some acrylic paints and started work.”
“The raw materials were expensive but the results looked stunning on my high walls! Friends even admired my paintings!”
“Art then grew into a passion, so I became even braver. I quit my job, sold my house and explored the world again, sketching and painting, wondering if I could make it as an artist.”
Anita working in her studio/spare room at homeAnita Le Sech
Before she left on her travels, she was invited to exhibit her work in a pop-up exhibition in Woking, Surrey. Her flights were already booked so friends took her pictures to the show and she jetted off to Bangkok.
Later, while in Los Angeles, Anita exhibited three recent canvases at an open exhibition in Santa Monica and sold them. She then received an email from a customer who had purchased one of her paintings at the Woking show and wanted to see more of her work...
“That email changed my life,” she says.
She flew back to London, sold a few more paintings, then went home to Jersey, spending the next year improving her artistic skills and being with her dad. “Mum had already passed away,” she says, “so it was important to be there with him until, sadly, he also died.” she says
In 2015, she moved to France with her long-time partner Denisa, at first living and working in a rented flat in Juan-Les-Pins. “We chose the Côte d’Azur for our new home because of its wonderful light, inspiring art, and, of course, the sea. My French improved and I read The Connexion for ideas and vital information. You have to network to succeed here but mustn’t expect everyone to love you!”
“I talked to other artists, helped promote their work and joined online groups for support. Denisa set up her own mobile dog-grooming business which grew, and is also now a success. We help each other.“
Anita’s painting is deeply influenced by the landscapes she witnessed during her travels and the natural terrain and dramatic coastlines of Jersey and the Côte d’Azur.
Her signature style combines acrylic paints with occasional oils and emulsion. “I achieve rich textures using materials like wax, cement, Polyfilla, even wood or fibreglass. This year, getting art into the workplace is one of my aims.”
Anita Le Sech's living room features two paintings that slide apart to reveal a TVAnita Le Sech
“For instance, one of my recent large works is actually two paintings which slide apart to reveal a TV. I have hung it in the sitting room of my flat in Nice!”
“This part of France has a rich, fascinating history, friendly people and, yes, a lot of glamour! I may want to live in a house again one day if I can afford it. Another year, another project!”
Anita is part of Art Angels Côte D’Azur, a group of women whose focus is to create curated exhibitions with female artists in France and other European countries.
“In the name of art” is at the Espace Culturel Centre, 9 Avenue Charles Dahon, Théoule-Sur-Mer 06590 and runs from February 27 until March 12. Email contact: artangelscda@gmail.com
